Do you find yourself having to replace your swimsuit every summer? I grew up swimming competitively, and have worn out my fair share of swimsuits in those days. However, as I have gotten older, I picked up a few practical steps to make them last longer. Unlike most of our clothes, swimwear is made from a delicate fiber: spandex. And not only that, it is exposed to many harsh chemicals and ingredients that regular clothes are not: UV rays, chlorine, sunscreen, body oils, salt, and more! So it’s no surprise that our swimsuits lose shape a lot faster than other clothes. Here are 8 simple steps on how to take better care of your swimsuit.
Disclaimer: this blog post makes use of affiliate links, which may generate a small commission if you make a purchase, though at no additional cost to you.
CARE TIP #1: DO NOT WRING YOUR SWIMSUIT
One of the most common mistakes people make is wring their swimsuits. Yes, it is quick and satisfying to get rid of all the moisture this way. However, wringing is very forceful and will tear the spandex fibers in your swimsuit. As a result, your bathing suit will lose its elasticity over time, causing it to sag.
The alternative: Roll your swimsuit up in a towel, and give it a good squeeze. The towel will soak up some moisture, and your swimsuit will not lose its shape in the process. If you need a tutorial, you can watch an old reel I posted.
CARE TIP #2: APPLY SUNSCREEN 15 MINS BEFORE PUTTING ON YOUR SWIMSUIT
I love this tip for two reasons. First, you will ensure your full body has been covered from exposure to UV. But secondly, giving time for the sunscreen to absorb into your skin means that less of it will go onto your swimsuit. Sunscreen causes grease stains and discoloration, and I am sure there are chemicals inside of it that are not great for our swimsuits either. Use this extra step to stay fully covered (pun intended).
CARE TIP #3: USE DELICATE DETERGENT
As spandex is a delicate fiber, you will want to use a delicates detergent as it is more gentle on the fabric. Below are two favorite brands of mine that you can use:
- The Laundress Delicate Wash (good for any clothes with high-spandex content, lingerie, silk, delicates)
- Dirty Labs Biodegradable Detergent (you can read my review here – Code: STYLEDBYSCIENCE for 20% Off)
CARE TIP #4: HAND WASH COLD
I know some people claim that putting their swimsuit in the washer is fine. However, I err on the side of caution, as the rinse cycle can still add excessive force. If you want to be super technical, having a front-load versus top-load washing machine makes a huge difference too.
Hand-washing is much gentler on your swimsuit, and cold water helps to preserve color.
CARE TIP #5: AIR DRY YOUR SWIMSUIT FLAT. AVOID THE DRYER.
Putting your swimsuit in the dryer is a big no-no. Most people I share this with already seem aware, but if you weren’t, no worries 🙂 Just don’t do it again. The dryer has pretty high heat, and for spandex-rich materials, it will warp and deteriorate the fiber. I also do not suggest hanging your swimsuit to dry, as the excess moisture can cause it to stretch.
The alternative: Dry your swimsuit flat, and ideally on a drying rack that has a ventilated shelf. I love the one I own, and reviewed it in an earlier post. This rack has been super handy for me this summer.
CARE TIP #6: RINSE YOUR SWIMSUIT AFTER WEAR.
As I shared earlier, your swimsuit is exposed to many harsh agents. The main culprit is chlorine, which also breaks spandex down over time. Give your swimsuit a quick rinse after your dip from the pool. This simple step will preserve the quality of your swimwear for a longer time.
CARE TIP #7: AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT.
What’s worse than a sagging swimsuit? A faded one. UV rays can break down dye components, causing our fabrics to lose color over time. In the case of swimsuits, intense sunlight can unfortunately break down spandex too. Sometimes, this impact can feel inevitable. However, if you are wearing your new suit to the beach, I strongly recommend having a cover-up. It is good for your skin and also for the fabric.
If you are air-drying your swimsuit, place it on a surface that is not receiving direct sunlight.
CARE TIP #8: DON’T WEAR YOUR FAVORITE SWIMSUIT TO THE HOT TUB.
The hot tub pretty much culminates all of the factors that can damage your swimsuit quickly: heat, chlorine, and maybe UV too (if outdoors). I recommend having an old swimsuit handy that you can wear for these occasions.
CARE TIP #9: DON’T SIT ON ROUGH SURFACES.
Generally, sitting on rough surfaces won’t be an issue if you are at the poolside or beach. However, I would be wary of sitting on a ledge in your new suit. Rough surfaces can scratch, snag, and ruin the surface of your swimsuit. If you happen to be in this setting, bring a cover-up or a towel to sit on.
CARE TIP #10: DO NOT SOAK YOUR SWIMSUIT OVERNIGHT.
Rinsing quickly after your leave the pool is a great tip. However, soaking your swimsuit overnight will cause the fabric structure to loosen and sag. A quick rinse post-pool or swim is perfect, but be sure not to overdo it.
CARE TIP #11: DRY OFF BEFORE TAKING OFF YOUR SWIMSUIT
Most articles I have read on swimsuit care do not share this tip. However, I think it is an important one. Most fibers weaken in the wet state. I think to be safe, drying off as much as possible before removing your swimsuit will preserve quality in the long run.
11 Simple Steps for Taking Care of your Swimsuit
I hope you get to wear your favorite swimsuit for the months (and maybe even years!) to come. Have you already been practicing some of these habits? And are any of these new to you? Excited to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
